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A Maid Waiting  by Larner 110 Review(s)
DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/23/2007
Very nice to get a view of Beregond's judgement/reward and Faramir's ivestment with a princedom from Systerien's POV. You can see her fondness for Faramir there.

And I am glad she was able to answer the King so clearly when he spoke to her--I do not think that if her lesser nature were at the forefront she'd be able to do so. As I thought, the child has a good heart.

And you say this is a sequel to "Vocabulary Lessons", so I'm daring to hope a bit of Larner O/C romance may be in store!

Author Reply: Those who live and work in the Citadel I'd think would be among the first to cheer Faramir, most of whom have known and loved him for as long as they've lived and worked in the Citadel.

You're right--she does have a good heart, one that is being reinforced by now living almost directly under the King and Ringbearer's influence.

As for a bit of O/C romance--well, this story, after all, is first and foremost LISTED as being a romance! Heh!

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/23/2007
A lovely read to end my Thanksgiving day on. I am enjoying this. I like the fact that it is Merry who has over-done things this time. He is usually the one watching out for one of the others so I like the fact that you've turned the tables a bit. I like Systerien. Can't wait for more of this one.

((((( “What about these companions of the King I’ve been told about?” Systerien asked rather boldly, feeling she had nothing to lose by being as frank as Mistress Gilmoreth.

The older woman appeared first surprised, and then amused. “The King’s Companions?” She shook her head. “Well, I’ll wish you the luck of that. As for the King’s kindred who remain here as yet--how many are married and happily so I have no idea, although I suspect that should you seek to catch the attention of one who has no interest, he will let you to know swiftly enough. )))))

I loved this exchange and for some reason I wanted to see her attempt to charm Gimli! hehehe

Author Reply: Yes, Merry's as much a care-giver as is Sam, and needs a little TLC himself now and then.

Systerien has a bit of maturation to go through, but I find I like her, too. And a joyful Thanksgiving to you!

NeiliaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2007
This story is so interesting! I am fond of that lovely old word 'beguile' and how you have used it in this chapter. I like your little maid...looking forward to more of her story.

Author Reply: Am so glad you appreciate the story, Neilia. Thank you so! I actually have this story finished already, and will be updating it about twice a week until it is done.

And am so glad you like how I use "beguile." A good word, I've always felt.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2007
Systerien, without consciously realizing it, was caught in the web of his charm, and lost a part of her heart to him.

Great description, Larner!

Systerien is confronted with a lot of major changes at the Citadel in a very short time. The poor girl! But she will learn.
I think Dreamflower's characterization is fitting: silly and ambitious, but with a good heart. Many young girls are like that, but she's one of the few who were able to talk to the Ringbearer :)

I'm looking forward to reading more!

Author Reply: Yes, she has some growing up to do, but now has the best of examples and inspirations to live up to.

Thanks so, Andrea.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2007
This was most enjoyable.I liked seeing the Household through the eyes of the servant girl.

Author Reply: You will see it through Systerien's and Ivormil's eyes both. Am glad you are enjoying it, Linda. Now, if only my ISP will cooperate for a week or so and allow me to do some more posting--this is the first I've been able to get on for more than fifteen minutes at a time for days!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2007
Oh yes! Happy grin as I settle in for another Larner tale. You do keep managing to find another corner of Middle Earth to explore. It is just great. This is reminding me of a TV series we had in the 70's or 80's called Upstairs , Downstairs. I was about life in an Edwardian, (I think,) household from the perspective of the family and their servants.
Really looking forward to more.

Off to pack for Mum as she has got a week's respite care lined up at a specialist MS home - finally ! NOW, after 6 years we discover that she is entitled to six weeks care per year. Shame that they won't let her back date it! It had to be this week of course when things are manic at work!

Author Reply: Believe it or not, this one is already complete, so all I have to do is post to it an regular intervals--although that is whenever the ISP from Mordor permits. It's been out more than in for the last few weeks--until tonight. Tonight it's been on for hours (although its now this morning) as the grandson has worked on his downloading; he's JUST got done and allowed his dear old grandmother access to the Internet, so finally I'm able to get on.

I'll admit that "Upstairs, Downstairs" served as part of the inspiration for this tale, although I've not seen all of the series. My friends I visit every few months have the series on DVD, and I hope to watch the rest while visiting them next month. But those of you who insisted on knowing what happened to Ivormil of Bidwell will now find out! Heh!

Good to hear your monther gets some time away, and your father some undoubtedly needed respite, although after the first two days (if that) both he and Jet will probably find themselves at loose ends without her there. Heh!

Now, maybe I can get back to Denra and Alvric, the Bracegirdle clan, and perhaps even to Gandalf's interrupted travels once more through Arnor just before the Witch-king does his worst, although the Nuzgul from the true-crime shelf on the bookcase in the dining room is making very threatening moves if I don't continue to placate him; and I have a Yule story also to finish.

Oh, dear--so much to write and so few hours in the day; and I just got the Jim Dale reading of HP and the Deathly Hallows to listen to. As I'm almost done with the Inglis reading of FotR, that makes a lot of CD time to look forward to.

Theresa GreenfalconReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2007
I like the new story. You're giving a view of Arda that most wouldn't see - I'm looking forward to more on the new (and old) characters.

T

Author Reply: I like imagining what the Citadel might be like. A few months ago I had the chance to visit the State Capitol Building, and found myself trying to compare it to the Citadel--not quite a fair comparison, probably, as the Governor's Manse is separate from the Capitol, of course.

And you will see many familiar as well as unfamiliar characters in this one.

Thanks for the comments.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/21/2007
Oh, this is very good so far. I had to go back and scan the first one, but as soon as I saw it I knew exactly which story it was. :) I'm anxious to see where this one goes. I can't wait for her to meet Aragorn!!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Author Reply: Yes, Ivormil proved to need the rest of his story told, I found. And she will meet the King soon enough,

And a happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2007
Hmmmm a new tale...and quite intriguing! Systerien sounds like quite a piece of work. Curious now as to what turn her fortunes will take........

~~~~{~@

Author Reply: Oh, Systerien is now a member of the household of the King Returned, and he didn't take the name "Envinyatar" for nothing, after all. Several will know a change in attitude due to his presence in Gondor, I think.

Thanks for the comments, Armariel.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/20/2007
Well, well. Systerien is going to be in for an interesting time of it, I think. She's a bit silly and ambitious, but she seems to have a good heart somewhere, to be caught by Merry and Frodo's apparent sufferings. I look forward to seeing more of her adventures!

Author Reply: Yes, I got caught by still another nuzgul with ears on, so here it is. Yes, there's hope for her, I think. She and Ivormil both have a good deal to learn in this one.

Thanks so for the comments.

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